The Ashes, Brisbane: Day 4

[ChillDoubt]

For what it's worth, may as well go through the formalities.
Already 2 back in the hutch, Cooky and KP just need a double hundred each, leaving the rest of them to get 140 odd between them.
Not much to ask, is it?

Sorry, just awoken from a dream there. Reality says we will not take this into Day 5 and already we are looking at changes for the next Test.
Trott may need to see a psychologist as I reckon he's already got PTSD and our Dolph Lundgren/Johnny Bravo hybrid (Tremlett) will probably make way for Finn.

Test is gone, so what thoughts have you for the next one?

[jim360]

Close of play today will b when England are at 324 -4. Or 200 all out :(

[ChillDoubt]

Absolutely jim, we just need KP to get his eye in, flick the switch to 20/20 or ODI mode and bat until tea.

C'mon KP, make this 100th Test something extra special!

Wonder how gness is getting on with her spells and potions?

[jim360]

England survived a slightly nervous start. Now 47-2. Certainly need to make it through the rest of the morning session without loss.

[ELVIS68]

Sorry to intrude from a non cricket fan, why was it such a big deal when England won the ashes back then when Freddie was pissed at Downing Street yet when they won it last time nothing happened?

[Cloverjo]

Back in 2005 we hadn't won the ashes for years, so it was really special. After that, it wasn't quite so amazing.

[ChillDoubt]

KP gone to a cavalier shot in difficult circumstances, which is generally the norm for him when it's backs to the wall.

[seekeerz]

And it's chucking it down at the Gabba, thunder, hail, you name it plus England has lost Bell.... Not much mre you can say !!

[seekeerz]

And now the suns shining and play will resume shortly !

[seekeerz]

Play has resumed and Lyon has Cooks wicket for 65

[Cloverjo]

Can they pick themselves and do better in the next match?

[Cloverjo]

^^pick themselves up

[ChillDoubt]

Lost by 381 runs, total capitulation.
Time to get the knife out, there have been a few hanging on by a thread who've kept their place on the efforts of others who have won matches for England.
Trott, Tremlett and Prior have to make way for others at Adelaide.
Those are not panic measures, they simply can't justify their spots.
I'd even go so far as to say even Swann ought to be looking over his shoulder.
As for the rest, our quicks need to throw in a bit more short stuff at times, especially first up. The Aussies have softened up our lot with it to devastating effect, time to grow a pair and retort in kind.

[jim360]

Not sure that Swann is the culprit -- the way the commentators were talking sounded as if there wasn't much in the pitch for him to work with. Besides, in a performance that is characterised by poor batting, why should we consider changing two of the bowlers?

Tremlett out for Finn, who may leak ruuns but is more likely to take wickets, and perhaps Bairstow for Prior. But who should replace Trott? That's the annoying thing -- not clear taht we have anyone available who can...

[Sqad]

Your comments, JIm and Chilli are well placed, BUT is this a real surprise?

In the last Ashes series, the difference between the to teams that favoured England was Bell and the weather.........

This series, the weather will not play a significant role and if Bell doesn't come up trumps, then we may well be watching a whitewash.

[TWR]

What a joke, they are the laughing stock

[Sqad]

TWR........I disagree.......that Australian side was a good side in the last Ashes series and is an even better one now.

[TWR]

They are not in the same league Squad.

[berniecuddles]

another spare day for the lads to party!!
England you were pathetic!!!

[jim360]

I think you have a point Sqad -- it looked at times like one of the closest 3-0 wins you can imagine.